[nfbmi-talk] Fwd: Blind Athletics--Might Be Of Interest To Several: One Man's Journey

[Kane Brolin]

The following was forwarded to me by Rich Vonderhaar, who subscribes
to the Indiana aCB Mailing List.  But because it deals with the blind
empowering themselves to excel in athletics, right here in Indiana, I
nevertheless thought this might be of interest to several in our
affiliate.  And maybe the athlete in question could become a member of
either the Circle City or Indy chapters, if someone were to approach
him.

The story itself originally was published on the Website of a TV
Station called WTHR.  It reads as follows:

---------- Forwarded message ----------
By Kris Kirschner, WTHR Reporter


INDIANAPOLIS -
Running is considered an individual sport, each step a challenge to
beat your time and to push your body to its physical limits. It is you
versus the road in front of you.

But, what happens when that road disappears?

"For me, it was trying to figure out how to do these things I was once
able to do," said Chris Dunlavy, who is training to run in this week's
OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon.

Up until eight years ago, Chris was an avid runner. It's a passion that
that began for him in 2000 when running a mile. That progressed to a 5K
and then the Mini-Marathon. He's participated in eight mini marathon
races, and four marathons, including the New York City Marathon.

"It's my form of meditation where I can just go and relax," Chris said
of his love for running.
•Finish Line 5k sells out, registration still open for OneAmerica 500
Festival Mini-Marathon

Then, something happened that changed everything. In 2008, the father
of two lost his sight to a degenerative disease.

After 32 years of sight, he was suddenly, partially, in the dark.

"I have a bunch of holes in my vision, so light filters in and it and
causes a big glare and a big fog, so I can't see colors and details," he said.

He thought his running days were over.

He then met a man who would change his course.

John Skelton was also a runner who shared Chris' passion for the sport.

"It's a little bit of alone time when you can get inside your head,"
John said. "You don't have phones ringing. You don't have people asking
you to do stuff. You don't have work things to do.

John said he's been running nearly 13 years — half marathons, sprint
triathlons, and even Iron Man competitions.
•Get your tickets for 2016 500 Festival events

He wanted to help someone else love it, too. So, he contacted Bosma
Enterprises, which creates opportunities and training for the blind and
visually impaired.

It was there where John and Chris met. They've been running together
ever since.

"We just meshed right from the beginning," John said.

They're connected by their love for the sport, and a bungee cord.

"He's the one with the tough job," Chris said. "He's trying to run his
run, he's setting the pace, and he's having to look for any obstacles
that could create a problem for me and verbalize them for me."

At the 10-mile training run at the NCAA Hall of Champions, it was an
unseasonably cold morning. John and Chris joined the hundreds of others
willing to brave the cold as part of their training for the
Mini-Marathon. Over his many layers, John wore a yellow vest with the
word, "Guide" in bold, black letters.

Walking closely behind him with a hand on his shoulder was Chris. The
two made their way to the starting line. John was just a few steps
ahead, guiding Chris through the crowd. That's how it was for the
duration of their run. Each one held an end to a short bungee cord.

"Definitely staying independent is important to me," Chris said. "But
just knowing that I would not really be able to navigate all the people
through the Mini-Marathon without someone's assistance."

"The hardest part for me was always learning how to be present," Johns
said. "When I'm out running by myself, I just run and don't have to
worry about manhole covers and bumps in the road or potholes, because
it's automatic. With Chris, a pothole can be a problem."

With verbal cues, a tug of the cord, or a nudge of the elbow, John
makes sure Chris stays on track.

It's a challenge for both.

"We're coming to realize being tethered on these long runs is tougher
than we thought," Chris said.

But, they are determined to make it work. For Chris, it's about setting
an example for his children.

"I've had to encounter this diversity and can still continue to be
active, and continue to be independent and continue to go out and
pursue the passions and interests I have in my life," he said.

For John, it's proving that anyone can run.

As they reached mile seven of their training run, Karlee Latuszek —  a
volunteer handing out water and Gatorade — offered some encouragement.

"I think it's extraordinary," she said. "I think it shows what you can
do if you put your mind to it."

When they run Saturday, Chris and John will work as a team, with a
single mission:  to finish.  They'll proving that even an individual
sport sometimes requires someone to lean on and someone to lead the way.

Kind regards,

-Kane